How to plan a destination wedding in Lisbon
There are cities you visita and then there are cities you feel. Lisbon is the latter - a place where light dances across rooftops, where the ocean hums beyond the hills, and where every winding street whispers stories of old world romance.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Lisbon - one that’s elegant, emotional, and effortlessly beautiful - this city offers a setting like no other.
With its golden light, historic palaces, coastal views, and warm hospitality, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most unforgettable wedding locations. And as Lisbon-based wedding photographers and filmmakers, we’re here to show you why.
Why Plan a Destination Wedding in Lisbon?
Lisbon is where timeless architecture meets seaside ease, where historic estates stand just minutes from the Atlantic. It’s a city made for lovers — and for unforgettable celebrations.
Here’s why couples from around the world fall in love with Lisbon:
- Over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Direct flights from major cities in Europe & North America
- A walkable, vibrant city filled with culture, history, and soul
- Access to nearby beaches, vineyards, and forests
- An unbeatable mix of luxury wedding venues — from garden estates to hilltop palaces
- Some of Europe’s finest food, wine, and hospitality
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand multi-day affair, Lisbon is a dream canvas.
When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Lisbon?
The best time for a wedding in Lisbon is May through October, thanks to warm weather, golden sunsets, and minimal rain. Each month offers something special:
- May & June: Blooming gardens, soft light, mild temperatures
- July & August: Hot, vibrant, ideal for beach or vineyard ceremonies
- September: Warm days, golden evenings, fewer tourists — a photographer’s dream
- October: Intimate, romantic, and full of autumn glow
Lisbon’s mild winters also make off-season weddings possible. Think moody skies, candlelit receptions, and cozy indoor settings — perfect for couples craving intimacy.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Lisbon?
Yes — but with a catch. To legally marry in Portugal, at least one partner must have Portuguese residency.
That’s why many couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Lisbon instead. It’s just as meaningful — often more so — and allows you to fully personalize your vows, setting, and experience.
You can handle the paperwork at home and celebrate your commitment here with no stress, no bureaucracy — just love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Best Wedding Venues in Lisbon
Here are some of our favorite wedding venues in Lisbon and nearby:
Quinta da São Thiago
Nestled on the enchanting northern slopes of the Sintra Hills, in a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, lies Quinta de São Thiago - a 16th-century estate turned guesthouse where history whispers through ivy-clad walls and timeless charm lingers in every stone.
Why couples love it? This is no ordinary venue. With 10 uniquely styled bedrooms, lush gardens, a private chapel, and views that stretch toward ancient palaces, this is the kind of location that redefines destination weddings. It’s not just about a day; it’s about an experience - one of quiet elegance, old-world luxury, and intimate moments curated in a setting where culture and nature meet.
Planning a wedding in Lisbon and want a venue that’s luxurious, private, and authentically Portuguese? Visit Quinta de São Thiago and let your dream wedding take root in heritage.
Vandelli Gardens
Looking for a wedding venue that blends history, nature, and elegance? Vandeli Gardens offers one of the most enchanting wedding destinations in Portugal, where the Tagus River sets a serene backdrop and centuries-old botanical beauty surrounds every vow.
Imagine your ceremony beneath swaying palms and blooming flora, in a garden inspired by the symmetrical grace of 18th-century Italian and French landscapes. Once Portugal’s first botanical garden, Vandeli Gardens still carries the magic of its creator, Domenico Vandelli, who designed it to study and showcase plants from all over the world. With capacity for up to 280 guests outdoors and 80 indoors in the elegant Estufa rooms, every celebration here feels both grand and intimate. Whether you’re saying “I do” beneath the open sky or dining under a glass-roofed winter garden, Vandelli Botanical Garden it’s a space designed to enchant.
Camélia Gardens
For couples seeking timeless elegance and old-world charm, Camélia Gardens is one of Portugal’s most captivating wedding venues. Located just 25 minutes from Lisbon, yet worlds away in atmosphere, this historic 19th-century estate in Sintra blends romantic nostalgia with unrivaled sophistication.
From grand galas to intimate soirées, Camélia Gardens offers the perfect stage for unforgettable celebrations. Its refined architecture, expansive gardens, serene ponds, and sweeping Atlantic views create a cinematic setting like no other. Imagine exchanging vows in a traditional Portuguese garden, toasting with guests at a sunset cocktail hour, and dancing the night away in a stately mansion that breathes history. The venue embraces the luxury and grandeur of a bygone era — an ideal fit for destination weddings that deserve nothing less than extraordinary. With multiple indoor and outdoor options, customizable event spaces, and the magic of Sintra’s dramatic landscape, every celebration here feels unique and deeply personal.
Camélia Gardens is more than just a venue, it’s an experience. A place where cliffs kiss the ocean, where history lives in every stone, and where your love story unfolds in the heart of the Portuguese Riviera.
Solar de Pancas
Just 25 minutes from Lisbon, Solar de Pancas offers a one-of-a-kind setting for couples seeking a wedding venue steeped in history and elegance. First built in 1498, this majestic manor house is classified by Turismo de Portugal as a site of “remarkable architectural interest.”
Solar de Pancas is a stunning example of Portuguese heritage, where harmony and proportion meet refined simplicity. With more than 500 years of legacy, it’s a magical place to begin your own story — surrounded by timeless architecture and a truly unique estate. The venue can host up to 270 guests with complete exclusivity. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a grand event, you can choose from several elegant rooms or a marquee setup to suit your event’s scale and style.
The experienced team at Solar de Pancas is ready to help bring your dream day to life, blending historical ambiance with modern service for an unforgettable wedding in the heart of Alenquer.
Quinta da Bichinha
For couples dreaming of a vineyard wedding in Portugal, Quinta da Bichinha offers a truly unique experience. This centuries-old wine estate, located near Lisbon, blends rustic charm with refined elegance — the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations.
In 2003, the estate’s original wine cellars were thoughtfully restored and transformed into a cozy, character-filled venue space. Surrounded by manicured gardens and sprawling vineyards, the setting is both intimate and expansive, ideal for weddings, receptions, and special events. The venue's natural beauty and timeless architecture provide a warm, romantic atmosphere, while modern amenities ensure comfort and convenience for guests.
Whether you're envisioning a countryside ceremony or a relaxed wine-themed event, Quinta da Bichinha delivers charm, tradition, and a sense of place.
Quinta do Torneiro
Looking for a wedding venue in Lisbon that blends nature, history, and sophistication? Quinta do Torneiro is a hidden gem located just outside the city center, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for weddings and social or corporate events.
Surrounded by lush gardens — including a classic French-style garden — the estate features a 17th-century chapel, elegant tiled event halls, and a covered outdoor pavilion perfect for weddings year-round. With six beautifully appointed rooms, including a master suite, the venue accommodates overnight stays for the couple or select guests. Quinta do Torneiro offers a wide range of high-end décor options, ample parking, and flexible layouts, making it easy to customize your event with elegance and distinction. Whether you’re hosting a romantic ceremony, a stylish corporate retreat, or a chic garden party, this Lisbon venue provides the perfect blend of charm and convenience.
Quinta de Sant’Ana
Tucked between the Atlantic coast and the vibrant city of Lisbon, this family-run vineyard estate is a fairytale waiting to unfold. Just a 30-minute drive from the city and close to pristine beaches and golf courses, it offers everything you could dream of for a destination wedding in Portugal.
From the moment the bride walks down the aisle, heart racing, surrounded by rolling vineyards and golden sunlight, every frame is magic. The estate’s charm is rooted in its authentic Portuguese heritage - centuries-old architecture, lush gardens, romantic patios, and views that stretch over sloping vines into the horizon. It’s a dream come true for couples and for photographers/filmmakers.
For couples planning a multi-day celebration, Quinta de Sant’Ana offers four guest houses within walking distance of the main event areas. It’s perfect for hosting immediate family and close friends, ensuring no one misses a moment of the wedding festivities. From sunrise champagne toasts to late-night dancing, everything flows seamlessly.
The ceremony options here are endless: exchange vows beneath ancient trees, toast on vineyard lawns surrounded by citrus trees, or host a relaxed garden party under strings of nostalgic party lights. The historic chapel, although not available for ceremonies, adds sacred charm and is ideal for serene portraits. The reception hall, once graced by royalty, is a romantic haven filled with natural light, polished wood floors, and vineyard views—an absolute dream for wedding photography. Couples choose Quinta de Sant’Ana not just for its beauty but for the experienced wedding team that brings each vision to life with care, creativity, and over 20 years of expertise. From white doves and jazz melodies to candlelit dinners and seasonal feasts, no detail is too small.
Planning your destination wedding at Quinta de Sant’Ana? Let’s talk about how I can capture every laugh, tear, and dance move—every detail that makes your day uniquely yours.
Your story deserves to be told beautifully. Let’s start with a setting that’s unforgettable.
Casa Sacoto
If you're dreaming of a wedding that unfolds gently across days, surrounded by authenticity, nature, and historical charm, Casa Sacoto offers a truly unique setting. Just 45 minutes from the heart of Lisbon, nestled in the historic village of Carmões in Torres Vedras, this retreat-style venue is perfect for couples seeking an intentional, slow-living celebration.
With over 200 years of preserved heritage, Casa Sacoto is more than a venue - it’s a storybook location where the essence of Portugal's rich past meets the joy of the present. From the ancient Lusitanians to the Romans and Moors, every path and stone whispers tales of resilience, making it a deeply meaningful place to start a new chapter.
Today, Casa Sacoto welcomes modern couples with that same enduring warmth, inviting them to host multi-day wedding experiences filled with connection, relaxation, and beauty. Whether it’s intimate dinners under the stars, relaxed gatherings in sun-drenched courtyards, or heartfelt ceremonies framed by rustic elegance, this destination transforms a wedding into an unforgettable journey.
Quinta da Conceição
Searching for a wedding venue that blends timeless elegance, privacy, and authentic Portuguese charm? Quinta da Conceição Historic Country Retreat is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets - a restored 1715 baroque manor house tucked away on a secluded rural estate, just 30 minutes south of Lisbon Airport in Azeitão.
This exclusive venue is more than just a stunning backdrop - it's an immersive experience. With a majestic 800m² manor house at its heart and over 50 hectares of agricultural land, olive groves, and a centuries-old cork oak forest rich in Mediterranean flora, Quinta da Conceição offers the perfect combination of history, nature, and serenity.
Ideal for destination weddings and extended celebrations, the estate accommodates up to 33 overnight guests, offering spacious interiors, elegant gardens, and a show-stopping swimming pool. Whether you're planning a romantic outdoor ceremony, a multi-day retreat, or a stylish celebration with friends and family, this manor house delivers understated luxury with soul.
With exclusive access to the entire property, couples and their guests can relax and celebrate at their own pace - surrounded by the enduring beauty of Portugal’s countryside. Step into a world where history meets hospitality, and let Quinta da Conceição be the setting for your unforgettable wedding journey.
What To Do With Guests Before & After the Wedding
Lisbon is perfect for turning your wedding into a full experience. Here are some favorite activities:
- Welcome dinner with Fado music in Alfama
- Ride the iconic Tram 28 through historic neighborhoods
- Brunch and pastries in Belém
- Sunset cruise on the Tejo River
- Day trip to Cascais for a relaxed beach afternoon
- Wine tasting in Azeitão or Setúbal
- Pre-wedding photo walk through Graça or Alfama
A Love Letter to Lisbon
Lisbon isn’t just beautiful — it’s emotional. The smell of oranges in the breeze. The golden light on stone walls. The sound of laughter echoing through narrow streets.
As your Lisbon wedding photographers and videographers, our work is not just to document your day, but to tell your story with emotion, depth, and soul.
Whether you're planning a multi-day wedding or a quiet elopement just for two, we’ll be there — with eyes wide open, hearts aligned, and cameras ready.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s create something unforgettable - together.
HERITAGË
Destination Wedding Photography & Films in Portugal
